Express Entry

The Express Entry system in Canada efficiently manages immigration applications for several federal economic programs. To be considered, candidates must first submit an Express Entry profile to the candidate pool.

All profiles are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which ranks candidates against each other. Each candidate receives a CRS score out of 1,200 points, based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more.

Check if you are eligible for Express Entry Canada and see how you rank in the pool.

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What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage and process applications for skilled workers seeking Canadian permanent residence. It organizes candidates under three main federal economic immigration programs:

To submit a profile through Express Entry, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of one of these programs.

How to Apply for Express Entry

Applying to Express Entry is a three-step process:

1. Submit your profile

To create an Express Entry profile, you will need the following documents:

2. Enter the candidate pool

Based on your profile, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and join the pool of candidates. It’s important to regularly update your information and look for ways to improve your score, such as gaining additional work experience, improving language results, or completing higher education.

3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply for Canadian permanent residence. At this stage, you will need to submit a more detailed set of supporting documents, including:

Completing these steps carefully will maximize your chances of a successful Express Entry application.

Who is Eligible for Express Entry?

Express Entry is designed for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada. Ideal candidates typically have:

The best way to determine your eligibility is to use our free online assessment tool, which will evaluate your profile against the program’s requirements.

What Are the Requirements for Express Entry?

To be eligible to apply through Express Entry as a skilled worker, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

⚠️ Important: Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Candidates with stronger profiles—higher CRS scores from factors such as additional work experience, advanced education, higher language scores, or a valid job offer—are ranked higher and are more likely to be selected.

How Much Does Express Entry Cost?

The cost of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry is approximately $2,300 CAD for a single applicant or $4,500 CAD for a couple.

Breakdown of Typical Costs

Language Test: ~ $300
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): ~ $200
Biometrics: $85 per person
Government Processing Fees: $1,525 per adult, $260 per child
Medical Examination: ~ $450 per adult, $250 per child
Police Clearance Certificates: ~ $100 per country

👉 Important:

Proof of Settlement Funds

Unless you apply under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or have a valid job offer, you must show proof of sufficient funds to support your resettlement in Canada. These funds are not fees paid to the government, but you must have access to them to be approved for permanent residence.

Settlement Funds Requirement (as of July 7, 2025):

Number of Family Members	Funds Required (CAD)
1	$15,263
2	$19,001
3	$23,360
4	$28,362
5	$32,168
6	$36,280
7	$40,392
Each additional family member	+ $4,112

Do I Need a Job Offer for Express Entry?

No — you do not need a job offer to apply through Express Entry. In fact, the majority of candidates invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence under Express Entry do not have a formal job offer.

However, having a valid Canadian job offer can significantly boost your chances. A job offer that meets the program requirements can add up to 200 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which may increase your likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

How Long Does Express Entry Take?

Express Entry is one of the fastest immigration pathways to Canada. In some cases, the entire process can take as little as six months from the time you submit your profile to the issuance of your permanent resident visa. However, timelines vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application.

Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Profile Validity – Your Express Entry profile remains active in the candidate pool for 12 months.
Invitation to Apply (ITA) – If you receive an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit your complete application with all required documents.
Application Processing – Once IRCC receives your full application, the average processing time for permanent residence is around six months.

👉 Keep in mind: Not all applications are processed this quickly. If you don’t receive an ITA within 12 months, you can resubmit your profile to remain in the pool.

How Are Express Entry Points Calculated?

When people talk about “Express Entry points,” they are referring to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS is a merit-based points system that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool.

Your CRS score is calculated out of a maximum of 1,200 points, based on several key factors:

Age – Younger candidates generally score higher.
Education Level – Higher degrees and Canadian education earn more points.
Language Proficiency – Strong results in English and/or French language tests can significantly boost your score.
Work Experience – Skilled work experience, both in Canada and abroad, is rewarded.
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors – If applicable, your spouse’s education, language ability, and work experience can add points.
Connections to Canada – Having siblings in Canada, previous Canadian study/work experience, or a valid job offer can increase your score.

👉 The higher your CRS score, the greater your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence during an Express Entry draw.

Will the CRS Score Go Down?

It is impossible to predict future CRS cut-off scores. No lawyer, consultant, or advisor can guarantee that a person will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence through Express Entry.

That said, the role of the CRS score has been shifting:

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): More provinces are selecting candidates directly from the Express Entry pool to address local labour market and demographic needs. This means that even candidates with lower CRS scores can succeed if they have in-demand skills or work experience.
Occupation-Based Draws: The Canadian government has signaled a move toward occupation-specific Express Entry draws, which could further reduce the importance of a candidate’s CRS score and instead prioritize specific job categories.

👉 While you cannot control the cut-off scores, there are several ways to improve your CRS score or enhance your profile, increasing your chances of being selected.

What is the Ideal Express Entry Candidate?

There is no single “perfect” profile for Express Entry. Each candidate is ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and those with higher scores are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Key Factors That Influence CRS Scores

Characteristics of a Strong Express Entry Candidate

An “ideal” candidate might:

Additional Factors That Can Boost CRS Scores

High proficiency in English and/or French
Bilingualism in English and French
A master’s or Ph.D. degree
Canadian work or study experience
A sibling living in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer
A provincial nomination, which can add up to 600 CRS points

What is the Difference Between Express Entry Eligibility Points and CRS Score?

Eligibility Points (FSW Points Grid): To apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), candidates must first score at least 67 points on the FSW eligibility grid. This grid evaluates factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, adaptability, and arranged employment.
CRS Score (Comprehensive Ranking System): Once a candidate qualifies and enters the Express Entry pool, they are given a CRS score out of 1200 points. The CRS score ranks all candidates in the pool against one another.

Every two weeks, the Government of Canada holds an Express Entry draw, setting a minimum CRS cut-off. Candidates with scores above the cut-off receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.

Is There a Minimum Score for Express Entry?

There is no fixed minimum CRS score. The required score changes with each draw depending on Canada’s immigration targets and the number of candidates in the pool. To increase your chances of receiving an ITA, you should actively look for ways to improve your CRS score.

How Are Language Points Calculated?

Language is one of the most important factors in Express Entry. Candidates must take an approved language test in English or French. Points are awarded based on:

The stronger your results, the more points you can claim under the language factor.

Do I Need IELTS for Express Entry in Canada?

Yes. Language proficiency is a crucial eligibility requirement for Express Entry. All candidates must take an approved language test to prove their ability in one or both of Canada’s official languages (English or French).

For English, there are two accepted tests:

For French, accepted tests are:

These tests assess your ability in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

How Does My IELTS Score Affect My CRS Score?

Your IELTS (or CELPIP) results play a major role in your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Does My Spouse or Common-Law Partner Need to Take IELTS?

If you are applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) with a spouse or common-law partner:

They may take a language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada).
If they score at least CLB 4 in each section, you can claim an additional 5 FSW points toward your eligibility score. This can be crucial if you are close to the 67-point requirement.
Their language results may also boost your CRS score, improving your overall chances of selection.

Why Is My Express Entry Score Zero?

If your Express Entry score shows as zero, it means your profile is not eligible under Canada’s Express Entry system. This can happen either immediately after submitting your profile or even months later while in the pool if your circumstances change.

Common Reasons Your Score Becomes Zero:

What CRS Score Is Required for Canadian PR?

There is no fixed CRS score that guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off changes with each Express Entry draw, and the Government of Canada does not announce cut-off scores in advance.

Why Is the CRS Cut-Off So High?

The CRS cut-off often appears high during Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)-specific draws because candidates who receive a provincial nomination are awarded an additional 600 CRS points. This automatically boosts their ranking in the pool, making the minimum CRS score for those draws much higher.

CRS Score Trends

Canada alternated between Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and PNP draws.
In CEC draws, cut-offs reached record lows. In February 2021, over 27,000 CEC candidates were invited with CRS scores as low as 75.
In PNP draws, CRS cut-offs ranged between 600–800 points, entirely due to the additional 600 points awarded to nominees. This means that before receiving a nomination, the lowest-ranked PNP candidate could have had a score below 100.

Is 438 a Good CRS Score?

A CRS score of 438 was the lowest score selected in 2019, but there is no guarantee that having this score will result in an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Your chances depend not only on your CRS score, but also on various external factors such as:

Is 438 Competitive?

Key Takeaway

Since the CRS cut-off cannot be predicted in advance, candidates with a score of 438 should focus on:

How to Calculate Your CRS Score

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. To calculate your CRS score, you need to know how points are awarded across different factors.

Step 1: Understand the CRS Factors

The CRS score is made up of four main categories:

Step 2: Assign Points to Each Factor

Each section has its own maximum point value:

The maximum possible CRS score is 1,200 points.

Step 3: Calculate Your Own CRS Score

📌 Tip: The Government of Canada provides a free CRS calculator tool on the official IRCC website. You can use it to get an accurate breakdown of your score.

What is an Express Entry Profile?

An Express Entry profile is an electronic form submitted by eligible immigration candidates to the Government of Canada. It contains key personal details such as:

Using this information, Canada ranks candidates in the Express Entry pool against one another through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.

How to Create an Express Entry Profile

What Language Results Are Required for Express Entry?

Most Express Entry programs require candidates to meet a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in either English or French.

Exceptions to the Minimum Requirement:

Can I Apply for Express Entry While in Canada?

Yes. You can apply for Express Entry whether you are inside or outside of Canada.

Being physically in Canada does not affect eligibility.
Many candidates apply while on a temporary work permit or as international students working under a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
As long as you meet eligibility requirements (language proficiency, work experience, education, etc.), you can create an Express Entry profile and may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Which ECA Report Do I Need for Express Entry?

If you completed your education outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.

World Education Services (WES)
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
Comparative Education Service (CES – University of Toronto)
For physicians and pharmacists, specialized boards such as the Medical Council of Canada or the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada

An ECA confirms that your foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian credential and is essential for claiming CRS points for education.

How Will a Job Offer Affect My Express Entry Profile?

A valid Canadian job offer can significantly improve your Express Entry CRS score.

Depending on the occupation and the type of job offer, you may gain 50 to 200 additional CRS points.
In most cases, the job offer must be supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for the points to count.
Some exceptions exist for LMIA-exempt job offers (e.g., under certain international agreements or intra-company transfers).

⚠️ Important: An informal job offer (such as a verbal promise or an unsigned letter) does not add points to your Express Entry profile and should not be included in your application.

How Do I Find My NOC Code?

Your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code is a crucial part of your Express Entry application, as it determines whether your work experience is eligible.

To find your NOC code:

👉 Tip: The job title does not need to match exactly, but your day-to-day responsibilities must align with the NOC description.

Why Am I Ineligible to Submit an Express Entry Profile?

To be eligible, you must meet the minimum requirements of at least one of the three federal Express Entry programs:

You may be found ineligible if:

How Can I Check the Status of My Express Entry Profile?

You can track your profile status by:

This will show you updates about your eligibility, CRS score, and whether you are in the pool.

How Long Is an Express Entry Profile Valid?

An Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months from the date of submission.

👉 If your profile expires without an invitation, you can create and submit a new profile.

What Is an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is a formal invitation from IRCC that allows you to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

What Happens if I Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you are being invited by IRCC to submit a permanent residence application. Here’s what happens next:

💡 Tip: It’s best to gather documents like your police certificates, proof of funds, and employment records in advance so you can apply quickly when invited.

How to Obtain an Express Entry Police Certificate (PCC)

As part of your permanent residence application, you must provide police clearance certificates (PCCs) from:

Each country has its own process for issuing police certificates. To get the correct instructions:

How Can I Prove My Work Experience for Express Entry?

To prove your skilled work experience for Express Entry, you must provide documentation that shows you meet the requirements of your claimed NOC code (job title and duties). The primary proof is a reference letter from your employer, but additional documents can strengthen your case.

1. If You Are/Were an Employee:

2. If You Are/Were Self-Employed:

Since you don’t have an employer reference letter, you must provide alternative evidence, such as:

3. Other Acceptable Evidence:

How to Demonstrate Proof of Settlement Funds for Express Entry

Applicants under most Express Entry programs (except Canadian Experience Class applicants with a valid job offer) must demonstrate that they have enough funds to support themselves and their family members after arriving in Canada.

Acceptable Proof of Funds

You must submit official letters from banks or financial institutions where your money is held.

The letter must:

Be printed on the financial institution’s official letterhead
Include the institution’s contact information (address, telephone number, and email)
Include your name
List any outstanding debts such as credit cards or loans
For each account, include:

What Funds Qualify?

💡 Note: Property, jewelry, cars, or other non-liquid assets do not count toward settlement funds.

How Much Money Do You Need?

The amount depends on your family size. IRCC updates the minimum settlement funds requirement annually. As of 2025, for example, a single applicant must show around $14,700 CAD, while a family of four must show about $27,300 CAD.

What’s Better: PNP or Express Entry?

Both the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry are strong immigration pathways, but the better option depends on your profile and CRS score.

Express Entry Advantages

PNP Advantages

Which One is Better?

💡 Tip: Creating an Express Entry profile is free and required for most PNPs anyway. So, it’s best to submit a profile and keep both options open.

Can I Apply for Express Entry and PNP at the Same Time?

Yes — in fact, many applicants pursue both pathways together to maximize their chances of receiving permanent residence. However, the process differs depending on the type of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) you apply through:

These PNPs are connected to the Express Entry system.
If you receive a nomination, you gain 600 additional CRS points, which almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next draw.
After receiving your ITA, you submit your permanent residence application through Express Entry.
Processing is usually faster (target of ~6 months by IRCC, though times may vary).

Key Takeaway

How Does a Provincial Nominee Program Affect My Express Entry Profile?

A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination can significantly boost your chances of being selected for Canadian permanent residence.

If you receive a nomination from an Express Entry–aligned (Enhanced) PNP, you will be awarded 600 additional CRS points.
These extra points almost always guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next Express Entry draw.
The process is faster because Enhanced PNP nominations are directly linked to the Express Entry system.

If your nomination is from a Base PNP (not aligned with Express Entry), you will not receive the 600 CRS points. Instead, you must apply for permanent residence through the non-Express Entry stream, which typically takes longer to process.

Provincial Nominee Programs that Use the Express Entry System

Several Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), known as Enhanced PNPs, are linked to the federal Express Entry system. If you are nominated through one of these programs, you can apply for permanent residence via Express Entry and receive an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Examples of Enhanced PNP Streams:

Nova Scotia: Experience: Express Entry, Labour Market Priorities
Ontario: Human Capital Stream
Prince Edward Island (PEI): Express Entry
Saskatchewan: Express Entry
Yukon: Express Entry
Alberta: Express Entry Stream
British Columbia: Skills Immigration (Express Entry categories)
Manitoba: Express Entry Pathway
New Brunswick: Express Entry Labour Market Stream
Newfoundland and Labrador: Express Entry Skilled Worker Category
Northwest Territories: Express Entry

Will Express Entry close?

No. Unlike some immigration programs that open and close intake periodically, Express Entry is open year-round. Candidates can create and submit a profile at any time.

Is Express Entry the same as permanent residency?

Not exactly. Express Entry is an application management system, not an immigration program on its own. It manages applications for permanent residence through three main federal immigration programs:

What is an Express Entry draw?

About every two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds an Express Entry draw. In these draws, candidates in the pool who meet or exceed a specific Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

When are Express Entry draws?

There is no fixed schedule for Express Entry draws. However, they are typically held every two weeks, most often on a Wednesday or Tuesday. The frequency and timing of draws are determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and can vary depending on immigration targets and program priorities.

What types of Express Entry draws are usually held?

Express Entry draws generally fall into three categories:

All-program draws – These invite candidates from all three Express Entry-managed programs (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program).
Program-specific draws – These target candidates from a single program, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Category-based draws – Introduced in 2023, these focus on candidates with specific work experience, language ability, or other attributes in demand (e.g., healthcare, STEM, trades, French-language proficiency).

There is no fixed frequency or quota for each type of draw, as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) adjusts them based on labour market needs and immigration targets.

What is an Express Entry profile number?

After submitting an Express Entry profile, you will receive a confirmation letter containing your Express Entry profile number. This number appears in the top left-hand corner of the letter and always begins with an “E”.

Why is the Express Entry login not working?

The IRCC online portal can sometimes experience technical issues that prevent applicants from accessing their Express Entry profile. Common solutions include:

Can I apply for Express Entry without work experience?

No, you cannot apply for Express Entry without work experience. All economic immigration programs managed under Express Entry require at least one year of skilled work experience to be eligible.

If you do not meet this minimum requirement, you will not qualify to enter the Express Entry pool and therefore cannot create a profile or apply.

Why is my Express Entry application taking so long?

The standard processing time for Express Entry permanent residence applications is 6 months. However, it is common for applications to take longer due to factors such as:

📌 Important Note: The 6-month processing time only begins after you submit your complete application following an Invitation to Apply (ITA). It does not include the time it takes to:

If you’re estimating the entire timeline—from preparing your profile to receiving a decision—expect it to take longer than six months, depending on your situation.

What is the maximum age for Express Entry?

There is no maximum age limit for Express Entry applicants. However, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) awards the highest age points to applicants between 20–29 years old. After age 30, points gradually decrease, and applicants over 45 receive no CRS points for age.

That said, age is just one factor. If you are older, you can still be a competitive candidate if you have:

These factors can offset lower age points.

Can I apply to Express Entry twice?

No, you cannot maintain two active Express Entry profiles under the same applicant. However:

If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they may also create their own profile if eligible. In this case, you could have two profiles for the same family.
If your profile expires after 12 months without an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can resubmit and remain in the pool for another 12 months. This process can be repeated as many times as needed until you receive an ITA.

📌 Tip: If your score is low, you may want to consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), as some are aligned with Express Entry and can add 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an ITA.

How to Fix Mistakes in Your Express Entry Profile

Express Entry works on a two-step system:

Because the Express Entry system is highly competitive and detail-sensitive, any mistake in your profile can affect your eligibility or CRS score.

If You Haven’t Received an ITA Yet

📌 Your profile will be reassessed automatically after edits. If you still meet the minimum eligibility criteria, you’ll remain in the pool with an updated CRS score.

If You Already Received an ITA

⚠️ Important: Misrepresentation (even if unintentional) can result in a 5-year ban from applying to Canada.

When Can I Make Changes?

Good news — if you’ve submitted your Express Entry profile but have not yet received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, you’re free to make changes! You can correct mistakes or even add new information (for example, updating your IELTS score after a re-test).

Here’s how to update your profile:

Log in to your Express Entry account. On the welcome page, select “What would you like to do today?”
Go to “View my submitted applications or profiles” and click “Check status and messages.”
Scroll down to the “Application/profile details” section and select “View submitted application.”
On the Express Entry profile page, click “Update form.”
Choose the section you want to update, make the necessary changes, then scroll down and click “Save and exit.”
Once all updates are complete, click “Continue” at the bottom of the page to submit your modified profile.

✅ Tip: If you enter a form and hit “Save and exit,” you’ll also see a “Revert changes” button — even if no changes were made. Don’t worry! If you haven’t actually changed anything, simply click “Revert changes” so the system knows nothing has been updated.

📌 Important: Any changes that affect your eligibility or CRS score will be reflected in your profile within 24 hours.

When Can’t I Make Changes?

Unfortunately, there are some situations where you cannot update your Express Entry profile. Here are the main ones:

1. Your Profile Is Ineligible

If your profile does not meet the criteria for one of Canada’s Express Entry programs, it will be refused — and you won’t be able to update it.

👉 How to check: Log into your Express Entry account. If you only see the option to “View profile” (without the ability to update), it means your profile was reviewed and marked as ineligible.

🔄 What you can do instead: You’ll need to submit a new profile. However, before reapplying, make sure to improve your eligibility (e.g., by boosting your language test scores, gaining more work experience, or adjusting your NOC code if you made an error). When resubmitting, carefully review all your information to avoid mistakes that could lead to another refusal.

2. Your Profile Has Received an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once you receive an ITA, all the details in your Express Entry profile become locked. While you can update certain information when completing your final application, you should be very cautious.

⚠️ Important note on misrepresentation: Providing false or misleading information is a serious offense. If caught, you may be charged with misrepresentation, which carries a 5-year ban from applying for Canadian immigration.